The Asian Flu Pandemic of 1957 (Historic Pandemics and Plagues)

"Having originated in East Asia, a new strain of influenza became known among public health officials as the Asian flu. After having spread across East Asia, the virus reached India in June 1957. By the end of that month, the densely populated country was contending with over 1 million cases of the novel influenza virus. Throughout the summer, the pandemic spread across North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In the months that followed, the world was faced with the second worst influenza pandemic of the 20th century. The Asian flu killed an estimated 1.1 million to 2 million"-- Provided by publisher The Asian Flu Pandemic of 1957, killing between 76,000 and 116,000 people in the United States alone, had a mortality rate three-times higher than that of the seasonal flu. Without the expertise and efforts of virologist Maurice Hilleman, many more would have died. The Asian Flu Pandemic of 1957 explores the causes, the spread, the effects on people's lives, as well as efforts to treat the disease and halt its spread. Contents Important Events During the Asian Flu Pandemic Introduction: A Quick Response Saves Lives Chapter One: A New Strain of Flu Chapter Two: The Rise of the Pandemic Chapter Three: Containing the Spread Chapter Four: The Determined Pioneer and a Timely Vaccine Source Notes For Further Research Index Picture Credits